Are you a talented and enthusiastic person ready to take the next step in their culinary career?
Join a thriving garden centre café as a member of our talented kitchen team, serving guests fresh breakfasts, lunches, pizzas, paninis, and fresh homemade cakes to hundreds of guests everyday, in our newly refurbished 400-seat café.
Position Overview
We’re looking for a Sous Chef to support our Head Chef in leading a passionate team in a fast‑paced, high‑volume kitchen. The menu is straightforward but produced to the highest standard, using quality ingredients and efficient systems. No two days are the same and you will be faced with different, exciting challenges to help you develop your culinary skills.
Responsibilities
* Supervise line cooks, prep cooks, and other kitchen staff in accordance with the Head Chef
* Ensure all food preparation meets quality standards
* Maintain morale and teamwork in the kitchen
* Assist the Head Chef in the daily running of the kitchen
* Preparing, cooking, and plating dishes, especially during busy periods
Qualifications
* Experience in a fast‑paced kitchen
* Calm under pressure and good time‑management skills
* Able to lead shifts, maintain standards, and work well within a team
* Reliable, hands‑on, and committed to creating great food and service
* Good communication and teamwork is a necessity
About Longacres Garden Centre
Longacres Garden Centre aims to be the destination of choice for garden enthusiasts, offering exceptional service and high‑quality products at competitive prices. Established in 1979 as a family‑run business, Longacres has grown to include six stores across the South East of England, employing over 700 staff in 2025. As a growing company, we provide ample opportunities for personal development and learning within a supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment! We are deeply committed to our loyal customers, delivering top‑notch products and service while maintaining affordability. Guided by our core values – trust and integrity, family, teamwork, accountability, and retail excellence – we strive to continuously enhance the customer experience and foster lasting relationships.
Competitive salary based on experience, typically £30,000‑£34,000 per year, working 40 hours per week.
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